Celebrate Pride Month in Isabella County with June Pride events

What’s Pride: June 1st marks the start of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others) Pride Month. Pride Month is celebrated each June around the world to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising—a vital tipping point in the gay liberation movement in the United States. 

Now, cities around the U.S. host a variety of events including Pride parades, parties, concerts, and more to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride during the month of June. 

What’s happening: Throughout the month of June, Great Lakes Bay Pride and regional partners will host programs aimed at educating the community about LGBTQ+ issues and celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

In Isabella County, Great Lakes Bay Pride will be distributing yard signs. The signs are free, although a $15 donation is suggested. Signs will be available for pickup in Mt. Pleasant on June 10 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Pop Up Pride event. 

The 2nd Annual Pop Up Pride in the Park event will take place on Saturday, June 10 at Broadway Park (2451 Nish Na Be Among Drive in Mt. Pleasant). This event will feature a Two-Spirit presentation, local LGBTQ+ resources, food trucks, a kickball game, and more. This family friendly event is free admission. Additionally, out of respect for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Community, this is an alcohol and drug-free event. 

This Pride Month, the, Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) is also urging LGBTQ+ youth, ages 13 and older, to take advantage of the department’s sexual health services. Parental consent is not needed to access these services. Representatives will be at the Pop Up Pride event on June 10 where they will have a table and additional information available. 

In a press release, CMDHD health promotion supervisor, Shelby Pasch stated, “LGBTQ people continue to face significant barriers to accessing health care services…CMDHD would like to help educate the community, students, parents, and healthcare professionals about inclusiveness.” 

Additional resources: For more information on Pride celebrations happening in nearby counties, a full list of events can be found online at greatlakesbaypride.org. 

For more information about LGBTQ+ mental health resources, please visit The Trevor Project at thetrevorproject.org. LGBTQ+ counseling is also available 27/4 through The Trevor Project. Call their helpline at 1-866-488-7386 or text for help at 678-678.